Programs & Costs

Interactive Explorations

The ExploraDome uses Uniview, a 3D atlas of the universe that is completely interactive and lets the presenter—and audience— determine where to go and what to see. Session lengths range from 30-50 minutes and can adapt to your schedule. Program content can be tailored to your group’s age level and interests, and may incorporate portions of any of the topics below. You may request other topics not mentioned here.

Changes in the Sky (Grades PreK-2) Investigate the changes that occur in the sky in a 24-hour day, observing and describing the changes in the position of the Sun, Moon and stars.

Life in the Universe (Grades 6-12) Why is Earth just right for life? We will investigate the location and composition of Earth compared to Mars, Venus, and other planets in the solar system to understand the conditions that have allowed life to flourish on Earth. We also will investigate recent findings that raise the possibility of life on moons in our solar system and planets orbiting distant stars.

Mars Update (Grades 3-12) What data has been collected since the landing of the Curiosity rover on Mars? What does the landscape of Mars look like? What does our new Mars knowledge mean for us on Earth? Take an interactive journey to our neighboring planet and get the latest on Mars and answers to your Mars-related questions during this special Thursday night show.Motions of the Sky (Grades 3-5) Investigate how the rotation and revolution of Earth rules our perception of days, nights, and years, and observe the differences in the appearance of the sky due to those motions. We also will track the movements of the planets among the stars over a period of time.

Seasons, Phases, and Eclipses (Grades 6-12, requires 45 minutes) Viewing the Earth-Moon-Sun system from Earth and from space, students will gain an understanding of how the positions and motions of these objects relate to each other, and explain how we perceive the length of days, years, phases, eclipses and seasons.The Solar System (Grades 2-8) The audience is the co-pilot of this planetary tour, discovering the characteristics and relationships of objects in the solar system by exploring the Sun, planets, moons, and more, and learning how Earth fits in with the structure of the solar system.

Zoom! From Earth to the Edge of the Universe (Grades 3-12) The audience decides where to go in this show, from Earth to the edge of the observable universe and anywhere in between. The journey will help learners appreciate the scale of the solar system, galaxy, and universe; the vast distance separating celestial objects; and how these object change over time.

Additional topics that may be included as part of any show but not as a stand-alone program:

Earth Observing (Grades 6-12) This is an introduction to Earth-observing satellite technology, demonstrating how the view from space aids scientists in studying Earth systems on a global scale. May be included as part of “Zoom” or “Life in the Universe” but not as a stand-alone program.

Full Dome Video Shows (pre-recorded)

The presenter will include a short Uniview tour following each program if enough time is available.

Two Small Pieces of Glass (Grades 4-8, requires 30 minutes)Discover the wonders of the universe as revealed through the telescopes. It's been 400 years since Galileo first turned his telescope to the skies, revolutionizing our understanding of the cosmos. Find out how new telescopes and improved technologies have unlocked the secrets of space. Funded by the National Science Foundation.

Listening to the Northern Lights (Grades 6-12, requires 10 minutes)A story from NPR is visualized for audiences by the ExploraDome educators. Experience the sights and sounds of Aurora Borealis through the ears of sound recorder Steve McGreevy. He hears the chirps, pops and choruses that play out when the Earth's magnetic field interacts with the Sun.

COST

prices valid through June 30, 2013

Schools

The cost to schools is $200/hour, minimum three hours, or $1,100 per day, plus travel expenses for destinations outside the Twin Cities Metro Area. If your school is in need of support to meet the $1,100 cost, we will attempt to match you with local corporations that have volunteered to sponsor visits.

Non-Profit Organizations

Non-Profit organizations may enjoy the wonder of the universe through an ExploraDome visit. The cost is $200/hour, minimum three hours.

Corporations or Individuals

The ExploraDome can be rented for private or corporate events on a limited basis. Contact us at (612) 626-9660 for more details.

Location: The Bell Museum is located at the corner of University Ave. & 17th Ave. SE in Minneapolis, on the University of Minnesota campus. View a map Also, our research collections and academic curators are housed in various locations on the University's campus in St. Paul.